On Sunday 22 September 2024, to mark the European Day of Languages, the French Department of the Faculty of Arts and the French Subject Area of the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta, in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, held an event featuring three French language taster sessions for young children at the Valletta Campus. This event was part of a broader celebration of languages, aiming to promote plurilingualism and the learning of foreign languages.
This event was organised by Ms Anna Scicluna, coordinator of the French Subject Area within the Department of Languages and Humanities in Education, Dr Anne-Marie Bezzina Busuttil from the French Department of the Faculty of Arts and Dr Marilyn Mallia, Head of the French Department of the Faculty of Arts. All three addressed the attendees, emphasising the importance of learning foreign languages and the opportunities that knowing French provides in students’ lives and careers. Ms Moira Navarro, M.A. student at the Department of French, delivered an engaging presentation on the francophone world. This was followed by interactive language games and activities around the themes of sport, music and travel, led by students of French from both faculties. The activities were designed to introduce learners to basic French vocabulary while making the learning process fun and accessible.
The three sessions were very highly attended by young children who enthusiastically participated in the activities. Parents and siblings were also encouraged to join in, fostering a family-oriented learning experience.
To support learning beyond the event, an activity booklet was created and distributed to all participating children. A school diary in French was also created and given to the children. Moreover, the French Embassy and the Alliance française de Malte-Méditerranée generously gave out books in simple French, as well as other tokens. Mr Thomas Lamouroux, Director of the Alliance française, represented these two institutions and addressed and interacted with the families during the event.
This event was organised by Ms Anna Scicluna, coordinator of the French Subject Area within the Department of Languages and Humanities in Education, Dr Anne-Marie Bezzina Busuttil from the French Department of the Faculty of Arts and Dr Marilyn Mallia, Head of the French Department of the Faculty of Arts. All three addressed the attendees, emphasising the importance of learning foreign languages and the opportunities that knowing French provides in students’ lives and careers. Ms Moira Navarro, M.A. student at the Department of French, delivered an engaging presentation on the francophone world. This was followed by interactive language games and activities around the themes of sport, music and travel, led by students of French from both faculties. The activities were designed to introduce learners to basic French vocabulary while making the learning process fun and accessible.
The three sessions were very highly attended by young children who enthusiastically participated in the activities. Parents and siblings were also encouraged to join in, fostering a family-oriented learning experience.
To support learning beyond the event, an activity booklet was created and distributed to all participating children. A school diary in French was also created and given to the children. Moreover, the French Embassy and the Alliance française de Malte-Méditerranée generously gave out books in simple French, as well as other tokens. Mr Thomas Lamouroux, Director of the Alliance française, represented these two institutions and addressed and interacted with the families during the event.
